How to play MP4 videos on Smart TVs in 2023

Playing MP4 videos on your smart TVs can be a trick thing. This is because most old and new TV does not support MP4 format and fail to play it. In this guide, we will discuss the essential steps to play MP4 videos on smart TVs.

How to play MP4 videos on Smart TVs?

• Make sure the MP4 video file is compatible with your TV. Most smart TVs support common MP4 codecs like H.264, but some may have limitations.
• Connect your TV to the internet and download the app for your video streaming service (like Netflix, Prime Video, etc). Many of these services allow you to stream MP4s.
• Use a streaming device like Roku, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV etc. Install the app for your streaming service on the device, connect it to your TV, and you’ll be able to stream MP4s to your TV through the app.
• Connect your computer directly to your TV via HDMI and use video software like VLC media player to play the MP4 file on your computer – it will show on the TV screen.
• Use a USB drive to play the MP4 file. Copy the MP4 video onto a USB drive, insert it into your TV’s USB port, and use the TV’s media player to locate and play the video file.
• Use DLNA media server software like Plex or Serviio on your computer, connect your TV and computer to the same network, and you’ll be able to stream MP4s from your computer to the TV.
• For Samsung TVs, use the Samsung Smart View app on your phone to cast or mirror MP4s from your phone to your TV wirelessly.

The easiest options are probably using a streaming device or USB drive if your TV supports it. Make sure to check your TV’s manual for full compatibility info.

Playing MP4 in a PowerPoint presentation on Smart TVs

• Insert the MP4 video into your PowerPoint presentation. Go to the Insert tab, click on Video, and select the MP4 file you want to insert.
• Connect your laptop to the TV via HDMI cable. Make sure the external display is enabled on your laptop.
• Open your PowerPoint presentation on your laptop. The presentation with the embedded MP4 video will now display on the TV screen.
• For best playback quality, go to Slide Show > Set Up Slide Show and check the “Play Embedded Video in Presentation” box. This will play the videos smoothly in full screen during the slideshow.
• Present your slides as usual from your laptop, and the MP4 videos will play when those slides appear during the presentation.
• You can also set the MP4 video to play automatically or when clicked by going to the Playback tab when the video is selected.

So in summary, by inserting the MP4 video into PowerPoint, connecting your laptop to the TV via HDMI, and presenting in slideshow mode, you can play MP4 videos directly within your PowerPoint presentation on a TV screen.

Trouble Shooting

Try the USB method if the videos are not working in your PowerPoint presentation. Check which video your Smart TV can play with the USB.